Hypogonadism following prostate-bed radiation therapy for prostate carcinoma

Male infertility and urological tumors: Pathogenesis and therapeutical implications

Most genitourinary tract cancers have a negative impact on male fertility. Although testicular cancers have the worst impact, other tumors such as prostate, bladder, and penis are diagnosed early and treated in relatively younger patients in which couple fertility can be an important concern. The purpose of this review is to highlight both the pathogenetic mechanisms of damage to male fertility in the context of the main urological cancers and the methods of preserving male fertility in an oncological setting, in light of the most recent scientific evidence. A systematic review of available literature was carried out on the main scientific search engines, such as PubMed, Clinicaltrials.Gov, and Google scholar. Three hundred twenty-five relevant articles on this subject were identified, 98 of which were selected being the most relevant to the purpose of this review. There is a strong evidence in literature that all of the genitourinary oncological therapies have a deep negative impact on male fertility: orchiectomy, partial orchiectomy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND), radical cystectomy, prostatectomy, penectomy, as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal androgen suppression. Preservation of fertility is possible and includes cryopreservation, hormonal manipulation with GnRH analogs before chemotherapy, androgen replacement. Germ cell auto transplantation is an intriguing strategy with future perspectives. Careful evaluation of male fertility must be a key point before treating genitourinary tumors, taking into account patients' age and couples' perspectives. Informed consent should provide adequate information to the patient about the current state of his fertility and about the balance between risks and benefits in oncological terms. Standard approaches to genitourinary tumors should include a multidisciplinary team with urologists, oncologists, radiotherapists, psycho-sexologists, andrologists, gynecologists, and reproductive endocrinologists.

The Long-Term Effect of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Testosterone Levels

Purpose

Concern about a long-term effect of the delivery of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer on serum testosterone levels remains unelucidated. We evaluated how IMRT for localized prostate cancer affects serum testosterone levels during a follow-up period of up to 10 years.

Methods and Materials

We retrospectively evaluated data from 182 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent definitive IMRT alone between 2007 and 2014. Serum total testosterone (TT) levels were measured by blood draws between 6 AM and 11 AM before treatment and at every posttreatment follow-up for 10 years. Pretreatment values and each posttreatment testosterone value were compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The data set was stratified into 4 groups based on the pretreatment testosterone (pre-TT) values using quartiles.

Results

The median absolute or relative changes in TT levels from pretreatment were –0.42 ng/mL or –12.0% at 3 months after radiation therapy (P < .0001). Subsequently, TT levels gradually recovered to nearly the pretreatment levels 24 to 36 months after IMRT. When analyzed according to the pre-TT quartile, median TT levels initially decreased at the 3- to 12-month period in all the quartiles; however, median TT levels increased from the 18-month period in the first and second quartile groups, whereas they were maintained at less than the pretreatment levels in the third and the fourth quartile groups throughout the entire decade after radiation therapy. The proportion of patients with hypogonadal status, defined as TT levels <3.00 ng/mL, did not increase over time.

Conclusions

A transient and modest decrease of TT levels after IMRT spontaneously recovered to the pretreatment levels at the 24- to 36-month period except in patients in the higher quartile of pre-TT. This might have been partly owing to a variable sensitivity of individual testicular function to scattered radiation. Patients with lower pre-TT did not demonstrate a progressive overall rate of hypogonadism until 10 years after radiation therapy.

Environmental Factors-Induced Oxidative Stress: Hormonal and Molecular Pathway Disruptions in Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction

Hypogonadism is an endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate serum testosterone production by the Leydig cells of the testis. It is triggered by alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common disorder in men that involves an alteration in erectile response–organic, relational, or psychological. The incidence of hypogonadism and ED is common in men aged over 40 years. Hypogonadism (including late-onset hypogonadism) and ED may be linked to several environmental factors-induced oxidative stresses. The factors mainly include exposure to pesticides, radiation, air pollution, heavy metals and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These environmental risk factors may induce oxidative stress and lead to hormonal dysfunctions. To better understand the subject, the study used many keywords, including “hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, “testosterone”, “erectile dysfunction”, “reactive oxygen species”, “oxidative stress”, and “environmental pollution” in major online databases, such as SCOPUS and PUBMED to extract relevant scientific information. Based on these parameters, this review summarizes a comprehensive insight into the important environmental issues that may have a direct or indirect association with hypogonadism and ED in men. The study concludes that environmental factors-induced oxidative stress may cause infertility in men. The hypothesis and outcomes were reviewed critically, and the mechanistic approaches are applied through oxidant-sensitive pathways. This study also provides reccomendations on future therapeutic interventions and protective measures against such adverse environmental factors-induced hypogonadism and ED.

Hypogonadism and cancer survivorship

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypogonadism is highly prevalent among not only patients with a history of prior treatment for cancer, but also among those patients with a new oncologic diagnosis who have not yet received any cancer therapy. Hypogonadism can cause a wide array of signs and symptoms including: deceased muscle mass; increased fat mass; decreased energy, mood, and overall sense of well being; diminished bone mineral density; infertility; and impaired libido and sexual function. This purpose of this manuscript is to review the mechanisms by which cancer and oncologic treatment regimens can adversely affect the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, resulting in hypogonadism. Risks and benefits associated with the treatment of testosterone deficiency are also discussed, which are important considerations for clinicians caring for affected patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hypogonadism has a high prevalence in the setting of cancer and is an important survivorship issue. Recent randomized controlled trials confirm testosterone's therapeutic benefits in terms of sexual function, mood body composition, and bone health, but the specific benefits in terms of quality of life are less clear.

SUMMARY

More prospective studies are needed to further delineate the risks, benefits, and overall outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in patients with cancer and cancer survivors.

Prolonged hormonal therapy and external beam radiation independently increase the risk of Persistent Hypogonadism in men treated with prostate brachytherapy

PURPOSE

To identify variables that predict persistent hypogonadism and castration in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with brachytherapy (BT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 1,053 patients receiving BT ± external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) ± hormone therapy (HT) for NCCN low, intermediate, or high-risk PCa between 1990 and 2011. Patients were categorized as not receiving HT (n = 438, 41.6%), ≤6 months (n = 317, 31.1%) or > 6 months (n = 298, 28.3%) of HT. 572 (54.3%) received BT alone, and 481 had combination therapy. The five- and 10-year freedom from persistent hypogonadism (T < 280 ng/dL) and castration (T < 50 ng/dL) for each group was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariable cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of persistent hypogonadism and castration at a median followup of 6.5 years (posttreatment to final T) (IQR: 4.3-9.1 years; range: 1.0-19.2 years).

RESULTS

The 5-year freedom from hypogonadism rates were 92.4%, 88.9%, and 87.0% for patients with no HT, ≤ 6 months and >6 months of HT, respectively (10-year rates: 66.7%, 55.3%, 40.5%); p < 0.01. The 5-year freedom from castration rates were 99.2%, 98.0%, and 98.4%, respectively (10-year rates: 97.9%, 95.5%, 90.9%); p = 0.078. Number of months of HT (HR = 1.04, p = 0.030) and BT with EBRT vs. BT alone (HR = 1.56, p = 0.010) significantly increased the risk of persistent hypogonadism. Number of months of HT was the only variable which increased the risk of persistent castration (HR = 1.09, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of EBRT to BT is an independent risk factor for persistent hypogonadism. Prolonged HT additionally increases the risk of persistent hypogonadism and castration.

A systematic review of radiation-induced testicular toxicities following radiotherapy for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men in the world, and radiotherapy is used as a standard treatment modality for this cancer. Although this treatment modality effectively kills prostate cancerous cells, it unavoidably irradiates the organs/tissues that are away from the treatment site. In this regard, radiation-induced testicular toxicities following prostate radiotherapy can affect sexual function, reproduction, and quality of life in cancer survivors. This review summarizes the available data on testicular exposure to radiation during prostate radiotherapy and the consequences on testicular function.

METHODS

To illuminate the radiation-induced testicular toxicities following prostate radiotherapy, a systematic search was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and clinical trials electronic databases up to September 2018. According to a set of prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 eligible articles providing data on testicular function following radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer were included in the study.

RESULTS

According to the different radiotherapeutic techniques used for prostate cancer treatment, the total tumor dose and scattered testicular dose values were ranging from 36.25 to 78.00 Gy and 0.06 to 6.48 Gy, respectively. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels after prostate radiotherapy were significantly higher in comparison with the pretreatment levels. Around 60% of the studies showed that testosterone levels after prostate radiotherapy were significantly lower than the pretreatment levels. Furthermore, erectile dysfunction (ED), as an adverse side effect resulting from prostate radiotherapy, was reported and this complication is significantly correlated with lower satisfaction with sexual life. Testicular atrophy following prostate radiotherapy has also been observed and its frequency in patients with prior prostate radiotherapy is 2.5 times more than that in the patients without prior radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The data revealed that the scattered dose to testicular tissues during prostate radiotherapy can lead to testicular atrophy, variation of the male sex hormones, and quality of sexual life.

Serum Testosterone 60 Months after Passive-Scatter Proton Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Studies demonstrate a decline of ∼10% in serum testosterone (ST) level after X-ray radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We evaluated changes in ST for patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer receiving 70-82Gy(RBE) using passive-scatter proton therapy (PT). ST was checked at baseline (n = 358) and at 60+ months after PT (n = 166). The median baseline ST was 363.3 ng/dl (range, 82.0-974.0). The median ST 5 years after PT was 391.5 ng/dl (range, 108.0-1061.0). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.9341). Passive-scatter PT was not associated with testosterone suppression at 5 years, suggesting that protons may cause less out-of-field scatter radiation than X-rays.

Serum testosterone changes in patients treated with radiation therapy alone for prostate cancer on NRG oncology RTOG 9408

Objectives

We reviewed testosterone changes for patients who were treated with radiation therapy (RT) alone on NRG oncology RTOG 9408.

Methods and materials

Patients (T1b-T2b, prostate-specific antigen <20 ng/mL) were randomized between RT alone and RT plus 4 months of androgen ablation. Serum testosterone (ST) levels were investigated at enrollment, RT completion, and the first follow-up 3 months after RT. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment ST levels in patients who were randomized to the RT-alone arm.

Results

Of 2028 patients enrolled, 992 patients were randomized to receive RT alone and 917 (92.4%) had baseline ST values available and completed RT. Of these 917 patients, immediate and 3-month post-RT testosterone levels were available for 447 and 373 patients, respectively. Excluding 2 patients who received hormonal therapy off protocol after RT, 447 and 371 patients, respectively, were analyzed. For all patients, the median change in ST values at completion of RT and at 3-month follow-up were −30.0 ng/dL (p5-p95; −270.0 to 162.0; P < .001) and −34.0 ng/dL (p5-p95, −228.0 to 160.0; P < .01), respectively.

Conclusion

RT for prostate cancer was associated with a median 9.2% decline in ST at completion of RT and a median 9.3% decline 3 months after RT. These changes were statistically significant.

Hormonal changes after localized prostate cancer treatment. Comparison between external beam radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) on the hypothalamic pituitary axis of 120 men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with RP or EBRT exclusively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 patients with localized prostate cancer were enrolled. Ninety two patients underwent RP and 28 patients EBRT exclusively. We measured serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), free testosterone, and estradiol at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing RP were younger and presented a higher prostate volume (64.3 vs. 71.1 years, p<0.0001 and 55.1 vs. 36.5 g, p<0.0001; respectively). No differences regarding serum hormonal levels were found at baseline. Luteinizing hormone and FSH levels were significantly higher in those patients treated with EBRT at three months (luteinizing hormone 8,54 vs. 4,76 U/l, FSH 22,96 vs. 8,18 U/l, p<0,0001) while T and free testosterone levels were significantly lower (T 360,3 vs. 414,83ng/dl, p 0,039; free testosterone 5,94 vs. 7,5pg/ml, p 0,018). At 12 months FSH levels remained significantly higher in patients treated with EBRT compared to patients treated with RP (21,01 vs. 8,51 U/l, p<0,001) while T levels remained significantly lower (339,89 vs. 402,39ng/dl, p 0,03).

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer treatment influences the hypothalamic pituitary axis. This influence seems to be more important when patients with prostate cancer are treated with EBRT rather than RP. More studies are needed to elucidate the role that prostate may play as an endocrine organ.

Osteoporosis-Related Health Behaviors in Men With Prostate Cancer and Survivors: Exploring Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy

This descriptive study aimed to (a) determine the extent of osteoporosis knowledge, perceived health beliefs, and self-efficacy with bone healthy behaviors in men with prostate cancer and survivors and (b) identify how dietary bone healthy behaviors are associated with these psychobehavioral and psychosocial factors. Three different questionnaires were used to measure osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy in a group of men with prostate cancer and survivors. Bone health was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and calcium intake using a diet history. The prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass was high at over 70%. Participants had inadequate osteoporosis knowledge with a mean score of 43.3% ( SD = 18%) on the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz. Participants scored low on the subscale measuring barriers to exercise (median = 11; interquartile range [IQR] = 6.5), indicating minimal barriers to exercise participation, and the subscale measuring the benefits of exercise scored the highest (median = 24; IQR = 3.5) compared with the other subscales. Men with prostate cancer and survivors were highly confident in their exercise and calcium self-efficacy (83.0%, IQR = 24.0% and 85.7%, IQR = 27.0%, respectively). Participants did not meet their calcium requirements or consume enough dairy products for optimum bone health. Men with prostate cancer and survivors have poor osteoporosis knowledge, but are confident in their self-efficacy of undertaking bone healthy behaviors. This confidence did not translate to specific dietary behaviors as they did not meet their calcium or dairy intake requirements. Implications for cancer survivors is that there is a need for bone health education programs among prostate cancer survivors. These programs should go beyond education and empowerment to provide practical guidance to maximize uptake of bone healthy behaviors.

Bone health and its correlates in Korean prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine bone health status, identify factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD), and determine potential risk factors for osteoporosis in Korean prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, we recruited 139 men with prostate cancer receiving ADT at two university-based hospitals in South Korea. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire and underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry testing. BMD (gm/cm(2)), bone health status (normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis), and lifestyle variables (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence in our sample was 49.6% for osteopenia and 17.3% for osteoporosis. In multivariate linear regression analyses, BMD was positively associated with body mass index, number of comorbidities, and level of physical activity and negatively associated with being unemployed or retired, having a lower monthly income, and being treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy alone. In logistic regression analyses, potential risk factors for osteoporosis were low monthly income (OR = 4.33, p = 0.011), receipt of radiation therapy (OR = 4.69, p = 0.018), and lack of regular physical activity (OR = 2.63, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a proportion of prostate cancer survivors who are receiving ADT warrant monitoring to prevent osteoporosis, particularly men of lower economic status and those having lower levels of physical activity. Nurses can play an important role in screening these high risk groups.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy

The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer (PCa) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well documented, with up to 53% affected by this bone condition. However, there has been less emphasis on the burden of severe bone loss in men with PCa but not undergoing ADT. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to compile evidence from the literature on the bone health of hormone-naïve PCa patients and to compare it to the bone health of men with PCa on ADT. Three databases were searched for the relevant literature published from 1990 until January 2014. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis, low bone mass, and normal bone mass were estimated for this patient group and compared with similar subgroups from a previously published meta-analysis. The prevalence of osteoporosis varies from 4 to 38% in hormone-naïve PCa patients, and men with more advanced disease have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. Men with PCa on ADT have poorer bone health than their hormone-naïve counterparts, but the trend toward poorer bone health with metastatic disease remains. In conclusion, it was found that men with PCa experience poor bone health prior to treatment with ADT. These results suggest that all men with PCa should have regular bone health monitoring, whether they commence ADT or not, in order to prevent or indeed minimize the morbidity that accompanies osteoporosis.

Evaluation of testicular dose and associated risk from common pelvis radiation therapy in Iran

This study aimed to investigate testicular dose (TD) and the associated risk of heritable disease from common pelvis radiotherapy of male patients in Iran. In this work, the relation between TD and changes in beam energy, pelvis size, source to skin distance (SSD) and beam directions (anterior or posterior) was also evaluated. The values of TDs were measured on 67 randomly selected male patients during common pelvis radiotherapy using 1.17 and 1.33 MeV, Theratron Cobalt-60 unit at SSD of 80 cm and 9 MV, Neptun 10 PC and 18 MV, GE Saturne 20 at SSD of 100 cm at Seyed-Al Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Results showed that, the maximum TD was up to 12% of the tumor dose. Considering the risk factor for radiation-induced heritable disorders of 0.1% per Sv, an excess risk of hereditary disorders of 72 per 10,000 births was conservatively calculated. There was a significant difference in the measured TD using different treatment machines and energies (P < 0.001). The Pearson Correlation test showed that, as expected, there was a correlation between TD and patient's pelvis size (r = 0.275, P < 0.001). Using the student's t-tests, it was found that, there was not a significant difference between TD and beam direction (P = 0.231). Iranian male patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy have the potential of receiving a TD of more than 1 Gy which might result in temporary azoospermia. The risk for induction of hereditary disorders in future generations should be considered as low but not negligible in comparison with the correspondent nominal risk.

Cancer-associated bone disease

Bone is commonly affected in cancer. Cancer-induced bone disease results from the primary disease, or from therapies against the primary condition, causing bone fragility. Bone-modifying agents, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, are efficacious in preventing and delaying cancer-related bone disease. With evidence-based care pathways, guidelines assist physicians in clinical decision-making. Of the 57 million deaths in 2008 worldwide, almost two thirds were due to non-communicable diseases, led by cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Bone is a commonly affected organ in cancer, and although the incidence of metastatic bone disease is not well defined, it is estimated that around half of patients who die from cancer in the USA each year have bone involvement. Furthermore, cancer-induced bone disease can result from the primary disease itself, either due to circulating bone resorbing substances or metastatic bone disease, such as commonly occurs with breast, lung and prostate cancer, or from therapies administered to treat the primary condition thus causing bone loss and fractures. Treatment-induced osteoporosis may occur in the setting of glucocorticoid therapy or oestrogen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure and androgen deprivation therapy. Tumour skeletal-related events include pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, surgery and radiotherapy to bone and may or may not include hypercalcaemia of malignancy while skeletal complication refers to pain and other symptoms. Some evidence demonstrates the efficacy of various interventions including bone-modifying agents, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, in preventing or delaying cancer-related bone disease. The latter includes treatment of patients with metastatic skeletal lesions in general, adjuvant treatment of breast and prostate cancer in particular, and the prevention of cancer-associated bone disease. This has led to the development of guidelines by several societies and working groups to assist physicians in clinical decision making, providing them with evidence-based care pathways to prevent skeletal-related events and bone loss. The goal of this paper is to put forth an IOF position paper addressing bone diseases and cancer and summarizing the position papers of other organizations.

131I-tositumomab myeloablative radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: radiation dose to the testes

PURPOSE

To investigate radiation doses to the testes delivered by a radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibody and its effects on male sex hormone levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Testicular uptake and retention of (131)I-tositumomab were measured, and testicular absorbed doses were calculated for 67 male patients (54 ± 11 years of age) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who had undergone myeloablative radioimmunotherapy (RIT) using (131)I-tositumomab. Time-activity curves for the major organs, testes, and whole body were generated from planar imaging studies. In a subset of patients, male sex hormones were measured before and 1 year after the therapy.

RESULTS

The absorbed dose to the testes showed considerable variability (range = 4.4-70.2 Gy). Pretherapy levels of total testosterone were below the lower limit of the reference range, and post-therapy evaluation demonstrated further reduction [4.6 ± 1.8 nmol/l (pre-RIT) vs. 3.8 ± 2.9 nmol/l (post-RIT), P<0.05]. Patients receiving higher radiation doses to the testes (≥ 25 Gy) showed a greater reduction [4.7 ± 1.6 nmol/l (pre-RIT) vs. 3.3 ± 2.7 nmol/l (post-RIT), P<0.05] compared with patients receiving lower doses (<25 Gy), who showed no significant change in total testosterone levels.

CONCLUSION

The testicular radiation absorbed dose varied highly among individual patients. Patients receiving higher doses to the testes were more likely to show post-RIT suppression of testosterone levels.

Changes in sex hormone levels after radical prostatectomy: Results of a longitudinal cohort study

The changes in testosterone and gonadotropin levels in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the changes in serum testosterone (Te), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the early months after RP for PCa and the correlation between these hormones at various follow-up times. A total of 100 male patients with clinically localized PCa were consecutively included in the study. The serum levels of Te, LH and FSH were measured prior to RP (baseline) and at 1 and 3 months post-operatively. Changes in the levels of Te, LH and FSH between the baseline and at 1 and 3 months after RP were analyzed with paired sample t-tests. The correlations between LH and Te levels at the various follow-up times were evaluated with a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. At 1 month subsequent to RP, the Te levels were significantly decreased (baseline vs. 1 month, P=0.021) and subsequently recovered to the pre-operative value at 3 months (baseline vs. 3 months, P=0.372). The mean Te level at baseline was 15.3 nmol/l, while at 1 and 3 months it was 13.8 and 14.4 nmol/l, respectively. By contrast, the levels of LH and FSH were significantly increased at 1 and 3 months post-surgery, compared with the baseline value (baseline vs. 1 or 3 months, P<0.0001). The pre-operative correlation between LH and Te was lost 1 month after RP and recovered after 3 months. Notably, the LH level at 1 month was markedly correlated with the Te levels recorded after 3 months. In the present study, patients developed compensated hypergonadotropic hypogonadism 3 months after RP.

Kinetics of testosterone recovery in clinically localized prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy and subsequent short-term adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard treatment for metastatic, recurrent and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study is to investigate the timing and extent of testosterone recovery in clinically localized PCa patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and subsequent short-term adjuvant ADT. A total of 95 localized PCa patients underwent RP and 9-month adjuvant ADT were included in this prospective study. Serum testosterone level was measured before adjuvant ADT, at ADT cessation, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after cessation of ADT. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess variables associated with the time of testosterone normalization. The results showed that median patient age was 67 years and median testosterone level before adjuvant ADT was 361 (230-905) ng dl(-1). All patients finished 9-month adjuvant ADT and achieved castrate testosterone level. At 3 months after ADT cessation, testosterone recovered to supracastrate level in 97.9% patients and to normal level in 36.9% patients. The percentage of patients who recovered to normal testosterone level increased to 66.3%, 86.3% and 92.6% at 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Cox regression model found that higher baseline testosterone level (≥ 300 ng dl(-1)) was the only variable associated with a shorter time to testosterone normalization (hazard ratio: 1.98; P = 0.012). In conclusion, in most patients, testosterone recovered to supracastrate level at 3 months and to normal level at 12 months after 9-month adjuvant ADT cessation. Patients with higher baseline testosterone level need shorter time of testosterone normalization.

Hypofractionated passively scattered proton radiotherapy for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer is not associated with post-treatment testosterone suppression

Background.

To investigate post-treatment changes in serum testosterone in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated with hypofractionated passively scattered proton radiotherapy.

Material and methods.

Between April 2008 and October 2011, 228 patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer were enrolled into an institutional review board-approved prospective protocol. Patients received doses ranging from 70 Cobalt Gray Equivalent (CGE) to 72.5 CGE at 2.5 CGE per fraction using passively scattered protons. Three patients were excluded for receiving androgen deprivation therapy (n = 2) or testosterone supplementation (n = 1) before radiation. Of the remaining 226 patients, pretreatment serum testosterone levels were available for 217. Of these patients, post-treatment serum testosterone levels were available for 207 in the final week of treatment, 165 at the six-month follow-up, and 116 at the 12-month follow-up. The post-treatment testosterone levels were compared with the pretreatment levels using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test for matched pairs.

Results.

The median pretreatment serum testosterone level was 367.7 ng/dl (12.8 nmol/l). The median changes in post-treatment testosterone value were as follows: +3.0 ng/dl (+0.1 nmol/l) at treatment completion; +6.0 ng/dl (+0.2 nmol/l) at six months after treatment; and +5.0 ng/dl (0.2 nmol/l) at 12 months after treatment. None of these changes were statistically significant.

Conclusion.

Patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with hypofractionated passively scattered proton radiotherapy do not experience testosterone suppression. Our findings are consistent with physical measurements demonstrating that proton radiotherapy is associated with less scatter radiation exposure to tissues beyond the beam paths compared with intensity-modulated photon radiotherapy.

Prostate brachytherapy seed migration to a left varicocele

PURPOSE

To report a rare case of seed migration to a left varicocele after transperineal interstitial prostate brachytherapy with loose iodine-125 ((125)I) seeds.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A 73-year-old man presented with a serum prostate-specific antigen level of 5.21 ng/mL, Gleason score of 7 (3+4), and clinical T1c adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The patient underwent transperineal interstitial prostate brachytherapy with loose (125)I seeds followed by external beam radiation therapy. Two weeks after seed implantation, a followup pelvic radiograph was obtained. One month after seed implantation, a pelvic computed tomography scan for postimplant dosimetric analysis was carried out. Subsequent ultrasound examination of the scrotum was undertaken.

RESULTS

Two weeks after seed implantation, an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph showed that a migrated seed was overlapped by the scrotum. Postimplant pelvic computed tomography revealed that a seed had migrated to the left side of the scrotum. Subsequent ultrasound examination of the scrotum revealed that the patient had a left varicocele to which the seed had migrated. The patient had no symptoms related to the migrated seed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of seed migration to a left varicocele after transperineal interstitial prostate brachytherapy with loose (125)I seeds. For the present case, we suggest that the seed moved from the prostate to the left varicocele through the pelvic veins, bypassing the systemic circulation.

Randomized study evaluating testosterone recovery using short-versus long-acting luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonists

INTRODUCTION

: We sought to compare the rate of return of testosterone levels and sexual function in men with prostate cancer receiving longer acting, 3-month preparation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (L-LHRH-A) versus shorter acting, 1-month preparation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (S-LHRH-A).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

: Men with low to intermediate risk localized prostate cancer were randomized to either L-LHRH-A (2-3 month duration LHRH-A) or S-LHRH-A (6-1 month duration LHRH-A) of androgen suppression therapy (AST) and prostate brachytherapy using iodine-125 radioisotopes. Serum total testosterone levels and PSA were recorded every 2 months for 2 years.

RESULTS

: A planned target sample size of 100 was not achieved due to insufficient accrual. A total of 55 patients were randomized and 46 were used for analysis. The median time to recovery of testosterone to baseline levels (calculated from end of AST) was 8 and 4 months in the L-LHRH-A and S-LHRH-A arms, respectively (p = 0.268). The median time to testosterone recovery to lower limit of reference range was 4 and 2 months respectively (p = 0.087).

INTERPRETATION

: This randomized study, which failed to reach accrual target, showed a trend towards more rapid recovery of testosterone levels using shorter acting LHRH-A. Another randomized study would be required to validate these findings. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of shorter acting LHRH-A as a means of providing more rapid recovery of testosterone levels.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for organ-confined prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Improved understanding of prostate cancer radiobiology combined with advances in delivery of radiation to the moving prostate offer the potential to reduce treatment-related morbidity and maintain quality of life (QOL) following prostate cancer treatment. We present preliminary results following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer.

METHODS

SBRT was performed on 304 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer: 50 received 5 fractions of 7 Gy (total dose 35 Gy) and 254 received 5 fractions of 7.25 Gy (total dose 36.25 Gy). Acute and late toxicity was assessed using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scale. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire was used to assess QOL. Prostate-specific antigen response was monitored.

RESULTS

At a median 30-month (26 - 37 month, range) follow-up there were no biochemical failures for the 35-Gy dose level. Acute Grade II urinary and rectal toxicities occurred in 4% of patients with no higher Grade acute toxicities. One Grade II late urinary toxicity occurred with no other Grade II or higher late toxicities. At a median 17-month (8 - 27 month, range) follow-up the 36.25 Gy dose level had 2 low- and 2 high-risk patients fail biochemically (biopsy showed 2 low- and 1 high-risk patients were disease-free in the gland). Acute Grade II urinary and rectal toxicities occurred in 4.7% (12/253) and 3.6% (9/253) of patients, respectively. For those patients with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, 5.8% (12/206) had late Grade II urinary toxicity and 2.9% (6/206) had late Grade II rectal toxicities. One late Grade III urinary toxicity occurred; no Grade IV toxicities occurred. For both dose levels at 17 months, bowel and urinary QOL returned to baseline values; sexual QOL decreased by 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

The low toxicity and maintained QOL are highly encouraging. Additional follow-up is needed to determine long-term biochemical control and maintenance of low toxicity and QOL.

Incidental testicular irradiation from prostate IMRT: it all adds up

PURPOSE

To identify the technical aspects of image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for localized prostate cancer that could result in a clinically meaningful incidental dose to the testes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We examined three sources that contribute incidental dose to the testes, namely, from internal photon scattering from IMRT small field and large pelvic nodal fields with 6 or 15 MV, from neutrons when >10-MV photons are used, and from daily image-guided fiducial-based portal imaging. Using clinical data from 10 patients who received IMRT for prostate cancer, and thermo-luminescent dosimeter measurements in phantom, we estimated the dose to the testes from each of these sources.

RESULTS

A mean testicular dose of 172 and 220 cGy results from internal photon scatter for pelvic nodal fields and 68 and 93 cGy for prostate-only fields, for 6- and 15-MV energies, respectively. For 15-MV photon energies, the mean testicular dose from neutrons is 60 cGy for pelvic fields and 31 cGy for prostate-only fields. From daily portal MV image guidance, the testes-in-field mean dose is 350 cGy, whereas the testes-out-of-field scatter dose is 16 cGy. Dosimetric comparisons between IMRT using 6-MV and 15-MV photon energies are not significantly different. Worst-case scenarios can potentially deliver cumulative incidental mean testicular doses of 630 cGy, whereas best-case scenarios can deliver only 84 cGy.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental dose to the testes from prostate IMRT can be minimized by opting to restrict the use of elective pelvic nodal fields, by choosing photon energies <10 MV, and by using the smallest port sizes necessary for daily image guidance.

Does brachytherapy of the prostate affect sperm quality and/or fertility in younger men?

OBJECTIVE

Sperm banking prior to surgical procedures which may affect fertility, such as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, has been well documented. However, such procedures are usually performed in young men. With older men marrying later in life, or remarrying, we wanted to investigate the effects of radiation on prostate cancer patients who wanted to have children afterwards.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We encountered several patients with prostate cancer who decided to undergo brachytherapy and were planning to have more children. We performed a search using PubMed and Ovid for the period 1966-2001 using the key words "fertility", "sperm banking", "radiation effects", "prostate cancer" and "brachytherapy".

RESULTS

Of the four young patients we encountered who underwent brachytherapy, we found no significant change in semen parameters post-therapy, and three of them were able to father a child subsequently without any deleterious side-effects. It has been demonstrated in several reports that external-beam radiation therapy is associated with decreased spermatogenesis due to Leydig cell dysfunction and decreased serum testosterone, as well as having a direct effect on spermatogonia. However, there is a scarcity of literature discussing the effects of prostate brachytherapy on spermatogenesis as the patients involved are usually older and usually do not desire to father any more children. As I has a half-life of 60 days, we used an exposure of 10 mR/h at the symphysis pubis and used integration to find the total dose exposed to the testis as follows: Limits 14 400 to 0, S 10e (-In2/1440.Tdt) where T = 14 400 and 20.75 R = 20.75 cGy. Therefore, the total dose was 20.75 cGy x 0.91 = 18.88 cGy. This value is considered too low to have any significant effect on testicular tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We speculate that the effects of prostate brachytherapy on spermatogenesis in prostate cancer patients are minimal. However, due to the half-life of I, we recommend that these patients should wait for at least 3-4 months before trying to conceive. Furthermore, younger men with prostate cancer may want to consider sperm banking prior to brachytherapy if they want to have children in the future.

Skeletal sequelae of cancer and cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

Survivors of cancer may experience lingering adverse skeletal effects such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Skeletal disorders are often associated with advancing age, but these effects can be exacerbated by exposure to cancer and its treatment. This review will explore the cancer and cancer treatment-related causes of skeletal disorders.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search, using various Internet-based medical search engines such as PubMed, Medline Plus, Scopus, and Google Scholar, for published articles on the skeletal effects of cancer and cancer therapies.

RESULTS

One-hundred-forty-two publications, including journal articles, books, and book chapters, met the inclusion criteria. They included case reports, literature reviews, systematic analyses, and cohort reports. Skeletal effects resulting from cancer and cancer therapies, including hypogonadism, androgen deprivation therapy, estrogen suppression, glucocorticoids/corticosteroids, methotrexate, megestrol acetate, platinum compounds, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, interferon-alpha, valproic acid, cyclosporine, vitamin A, NSAIDS, estramustine, ifosfamide, radiotherapy, and combined chemotherapeutic regimens, were identified and described. Skeletal effects of hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, gastrectomy, hypophosphatemia, and hyperprolactinemia resulting from cancer therapies were also described.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

The publications researched during this review both highlight and emphasize the association between cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and skeletal dysfunction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These studies confirm that cancer survivors experience a more rapid acceleration of bone loss than their age-matched peers who were never diagnosed with cancer. Further studies are needed to better address the skeletal needs of cancer survivors.

Kinetics of serum androgen normalization and factors associated with testosterone reserve after limited androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Groups have investigated time to testosterone recovery in patients who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy, usually by measuring androgen every 3 months, with varying results. To our knowledge this represents the largest study using monthly testosterone and dihydroxytestosterone measurement to evaluate the kinetics of androgen recovery following limited androgen deprivation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Monthly serum androgen levels were analyzed following 2, 6-month cycles of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy as part of a randomized, placebo controlled study of the role of thalidomide in delaying time to prostate specific androgen progression.

RESULTS

By the Kaplan-Meier method the median time to testosterone normalization in cycles 1 vs 2 was 15.4 vs 18.3 weeks with similar dihydroxytestosterone recovery times. Neither on-study prostate specific antigen, Gleason score nor thalidomide treatment had a significant impact on time to testosterone normalization. However, in cycle 1 men with low baseline dihydroxytestosterone and those who were more than 67 years old had significantly longer time to T normalization on Cox model analysis. Additionally, in cycle 2 patients with prior local radiation therapy had longer time to testosterone normalization, although this was no longer significant on Cox model analysis. Cox model analysis in cycle 2 showed that low baseline dihydroxytestosterone and testosterone, low testosterone nadir and white race were associated with longer time to testosterone normalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of delayed testosterone recovery may be useful for designing and analyzing clinical trials of limited androgen deprivation therapy and for estimating the duration of treatment associated side effects in patients undergoing limited androgen deprivation therapy.

Long-term effects of a short course of neoadjuvant luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue and radical radiotherapy on the hormonal profile in patients with localized prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a long-term follow-up shows any reduction in the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, which could result in declining testosterone levels in men with localized prostate cancer, as most (96%) men have testosterone levels within the normal range by 1 year after treatment with a short course of LH-releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) and radiotherapy, and LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) remain high at 1 year after treatment, maintaining the testosterone levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 55 patients who previously had a short course of LHRHa (median 97 days, range 28-167) and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Eligible patients had documented normal testosterone, LH and FSH levels at baseline and at 1-3 years after radiotherapy. LH, FSH and testosterone were then measured at 5 years after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean hormone levels before, at 1-3 years and at 5 years after treatment, respectively, were: testosterone (nmol/L), 15.33, 13.98, 12.97; LH (U/L), 5.51, 9.95, 6.95; and FSH (U/L), 7.95, 22.40, 17.00. The decrease in testosterone level at 5 years vs 1-3 years was not statistically significant and was of little clinical relevance (P = 0.057). LH and FSH levels were higher at 1-3 years than at baseline and decreased significantly (P < 0.001) at 5 years towards the baseline value. The decrease in FSH level was less marked than for LH.

CONCLUSION

After a short course of LHRHa and radiotherapy, the testosterone level was maintained at 5 years. LH levels decreased towards the baseline value, suggesting recovery of Leydig cell function. FSH levels remained high, suggesting persistent Sertoli cell damage from treatment.

Assessment of patient concern and adequacy of informed consent regarding infertility resulting from prostate cancer treatment

OBJECTIVES

To address in a questionnaire-based study the frequency at which fertility is a concern for men when they consider their prostate cancer treatment options. A secondary aim was to assess the rate at which men were informed of the fertility implications of prostate cancer treatment by their physician before their selection of a treatment option.

METHODS

Two questionnaires were used. One questionnaire was distributed to men with localized prostate cancer who had undergone treatment within the past year. These questions addressed whether continence, erectile function, and fertility were discussed with them by their physician during the prostate cancer treatment selection process. The second questionnaire was distributed to men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and queried their level of concern about the effects of prostate cancer treatment on sexual function, urinary function, and fertility.

RESULTS

All patients receiving the first questionnaire stated that they were informed of the incontinence and impotence side effects of prostate cancer treatments, but only 8.7% stated that they were informed of the effect that prostate cancer treatments would have on their future fertility. Of the patients completing the second questionnaire, 53.7% responded that incontinence was the side effect of prostate cancer treatment that caused them the most concern, 42.6% stated that erectile dysfunction was the most concerning, and 3.7% listed fertility as the major concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Urologists should consider approaching the topic of infertility when discussing the pros and cons of various prostate cancer therapies with their younger patients.

Effect of adjuvant androgen deprivation on thyroid function tests in prostate cancer patients

Androgen deprivation (AD) used in the treatment of prostate cancer is known to alter concentrations of sex hormones and their binding globulins. Less is known as to its effect on thyroid hormones. In this prospective study the effects of AD on thyroid function were clarified. Levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid binding globulin concentrations were measured in prostate cancer patients treated with either radical radiotherapy and androgen deprivation for 12 months (AD) or radical radiotherapy alone (RT). Measurements were made at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. At baseline and at 3 months the results of thyroid function tests did not differ significantly between groups. A significant decline in serum testosterone in the AD group was accompanied by a significant decline in FT4 at 6 and 12 months, while no significant changes in thyroid function were observed in the RT group. The decline in FT4 among AD patients did not evoke a normal TSH response. Prolonged use of AD hampers the interpretation of thyroid test results. This finding has substantial implications for the follow-up of patients in hormonally treated prostate cancer.